Magnesium Supplements May Prevent, Treat Gallstones in the Elderly Population

Magnesium supplements have long been considered an essential part of the natural supplements for most older adults, especially for those suffering from depression. In addition to mental health complications, magnesium may also provide other health benefits to senior adults, including the prevention of gallbladder complications.

Gallstones are quite common among the adult population and become increasingly more common as we age. In many senior adults, the complications of gallstones are often attributed to the development of cholesterol stones. With HDL levels falling lower and there is a high level of triglycerides within the blood stream, the elderly population falls to greater risk for gallstones as aging progresses.

Because magnesium is most often deficient in the older population, many senior adults are encouraged to supplement diet with magnesium supplements, especially if there are indications of mental health complications, including depression. But, in addition to the mental health benefit, the use of magnesium supplements may also provide for a natural way by which to alleviate the risk for developing gallstones later in life.

When the diet is naturally deficient in magnesium, the levels of triglycerides in the blood stream can be increased. When this increase becomes chronic, the development of cholesterol stones is common and, ultimately, gallstones develop.

If your physician has indicated you may be at-risk for health complications associated with high cholesterol, including the development of gallstones, it is important to ask about the use of magnesium supplements in your diet. Absent any other method of treatment or lifestyle choice, magnesium supplements may provide the long term benefit of preventing gallstone formation. This, of course, will depend on other health or disease factors, such as that associated with abnormal insulin levels.